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Shrimp Spaghetti

Shrimp Spaghetti

A quick and flavorful Shrimp Spaghetti recipe combining tender shrimp, al dente spaghetti, and a bright blend of garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of heat. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is simple to prepare with minimal ingredients while delivering big, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Pasta

  • 12 oz fresh or thawed raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz dried spaghetti noodles

Flavor Base

  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water to add moisture later if needed.
  2. Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat and toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the shrimp. Add fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring everything to combine well. Use reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, silky sauce that coats the noodles beautifully.
  4. Final Taste and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking. Plate the Shrimp Spaghetti immediately while warm, garnished with additional parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richer taste.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve color and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shrimp Spaghetti, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, garlic lemon shrimp, seafood pasta